Tramesa and Transitalia have initiated testing for the first trailers on rail in Spain's rolling stock highways. The railway highway connecting Valencia and Madrid should start operations by July.
However, recent inspections revealed several cracks in the tunnel between Irún and Lezo, managed by Adif, leading to a temporary track closure. This interruption has delayed the delivery of the first ten wagons from Slovak manufacturer Tatravagónka, currently stationed at the Hendaya border.
In Madrid, the Abroñigal terminal was scheduled for testing in mid-April, but due to the delay, the tests have been postponed. Reach stackers necessary for the testing phase have now arrived at the intermodal terminal in Abroñigal, allowing for imminent commencement of these evaluations.
The delay in the construction of the terminal in Valencia has further pushed back the project timeline. The modifications at Valencia’s port are expected to be completed by June 20. This extension has caused further delays in the testing of the gantry crane.
Originally, the connection between Valencia and Madrid was planned for the first quarter of 2024, with initial tests anticipated by mid-2023. However, unforeseen circumstances have led to a revised schedule.
Once operational, the railway highway will utilize 20 double wagons, each capable of transporting two semi-trailers. This project, which will be the first of its kind on the Iberian gauge, marks a collaborative effort involving numerous partners including Transitalia, GAA, Adif, APV, Puertos del Estado, Medway, Renfe, Tilo, Grualia, Air Rail, Kalmar, Alsa, and Tatravagonka.
